Thank you Caldey for sending to Everything Dinosaur your Terminator/T. rex illustration. It combines science-fiction films with a fascination for dinosaurs. It is a wonderful and extremely imaginative illustration.  A Terminator/T. rex hybrid with a bright red eye, that is a scary machine!

An idea for a new science-fiction dinosaur model. A hybrid of a Terminator unit and Tyrannosaurus rex.  It is a frightening concept – a Terminator/T. rex hybrid. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

Drawing a Terminator/T. rex Hybrid Model

It is a brilliant drawing, and we congratulate the young artist for the amazing amount of detail that she has crammed into her illustration.  We have posted this illustration on some of our social media platforms, and it has received praise. She has been wanting to put this idea on paper for quite a long time and has now decided to draw it. Drawing inspiration from the “Terminator” movie franchise as well as palaeontology.  If such a machine were to be built it would be frightening.

It was explained to Everything Dinosaur that Caldey spent a long time looking at the cyborg endoskeleton and adapting it to suit the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex.  The illustration is a clever combination of science-fiction and tyrannosaur anatomy.

We received an intriguing request.  Could we pass this illustration onto the model manufacturer Rebor? Perhaps they can make a hybrid model based on Caldey’s design.

The illustration has been passed to Rebor. Thank you Caldey for sending to Everything Dinosaur your Terminator/T. rex hybrid drawing.

At Everything Dinosaur, we are always thrilled to receive new artwork. Recently, Caldey shared a truly colourful Deinocheirus illustration that immediately caught our attention. Her drawing focuses on the head of this remarkable dinosaur, and it is full of life, movement, and imagination.

Caldey chose her own colour palette, and the results are stunning. She combined vibrant purple and red tones with softer browns and touches of grey. As a result, the illustration feels both striking and balanced.  It is a unique interpretation of this giant ornithomimosaur.

A colourful Deinocheirus drawing. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

Interestingly, these bold colours bring to mind modern waterbirds. Many species, such as ducks, geese, kingfishers and waders display vivid plumage. Therefore, Caldey’s artistic choices feel both creative and grounded in the natural world.

Moreover, the composition tells a story. Water plants have been pulled from the lakebed. The hungry dinosaur feeds whilst droplets scatter in the background. Consequently, the scene feels dynamic and alive.

The Curious Case of Deinocheirus

The dinosaur Deinocheirus remains one of the most unusual theropods known to science. For decades, palaeontologists only knew it from enormous fossilised arms. However, more complete fossils later revealed a very different animal. For example, Deinocheirus had a broad, duck-like snout and a deep body. Evidence also suggests it had feathers, which adds to its visual appeal.

Importantly, many scientists think Deinocheirus lived in wetland environments. It may have waded through shallow water, feeding on aquatic plants and small animals. Therefore, Caldey’s depiction of swampy vegetation and water droplets is both imaginative and scientifically plausible.

A Colourful Deinocheirus Illustration Full of Storytelling

This colourful Deinocheirus illustration stands out because it combines creativity with observation. The bright tones capture attention and draw the eye.  The clever light effect gives the impression that the dinosaur is staring back at you. Furthermore, the expressive eye and careful shading bring the head to life. These elements help transform a simple drawing into a vivid prehistoric scene.

We are always delighted to see young artists explore prehistoric themes. Artwork like this helps build confidence and curiosity. It also encourages a deeper interest in palaeontology and the Earth sciences.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Thank you, Caldey, for your amazing Deinocheirus illustration. Sue and I are impressed with your bold colour choices and the story you have created. Your dinosaur is full of life and imagination.”

Dinosaur Art Inspires

Dinosaur art and prehistoric animal illustrations plays an important role in science communication. They help bridge the gap between fossils and living animals. In addition, colourful interpretations make extinct creatures feel real and relatable. A well-crafted colourful Deinocheirus illustration does exactly that. It invites us to imagine how these fascinating animals once lived.

Finally, we would like to thank Caldey again for sharing her wonderful work. We look forward to seeing more of her fantastic creations in the future.

Today is World Art Day, a worldwide celebration of creativity, culture, and artistic expression. Therefore, it is the perfect moment to highlight a wonderful piece of dinosaur-inspired artwork. Thank you Caldey, for sending in your amazing Pachycephalosaurus illustration.  We think this drawing was inspired by the recently introduced Beasts of the Mesozoic Pachycephalosaurus figure.  We agree with the emailed comments – the background details of the mud and the colours of the branches using different shades of brown are beautiful.  In addition, we love the damaged bony protrusions on the top of the head.

A mature Pachycephalosaurus wanders the Hell Creek landscape. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

An Impressive Pachycephalosaurus

Caldey’s illustration captures the unique anatomy of Pachycephalosaurus with great care. This Late Cretaceous bone-headed dinosaur is beautifully depicted. In addition, the proportions and stance suggest a strong understanding of dinosaur biology. Moreover, the artwork brings this ornithischian vividly to life. The clever integument and thoughtful shading add depth and realism. As a result, the illustration matches closely the articulated Beasts of the Mesozoic Pachycephalosaurus model.

A close-up view of the Beasts of the Mesozoic Pachycephalosaurus model.  The model inspires the young artist.

The Beast of the Mesozoic/Cenozoic/Cyberzoic range: Beasts of the Mesozoic Articulated Models.

Art and Science in Unison

World Art Day celebrates creativity.  This annual celebration was instigated fourteen years ago.  It falls on April 15th as this commemorates the birth of the renowned polymath Leonardo da Vinci (15th of April 1452). However, it also reminds us that science and art are closely linked. Scientific illustrations help us visualise extinct organisms and understand palaeoenvironments.

Interestingly, Leonardo da Vinci explored similar ideas centuries ago. He studied fossils found in the mountains of Italy and correctly identified them as the remains of ancient marine invertebrates. Therefore, his work connects directly with modern scientific research. It also highlights how careful observation can inform both science and art. Recently, we received another prehistoric animal drawing from Caldey, it was a superb illustration of a Kronosaurus.

To see the Kronosaurus drawing: A Fabulous Kronosaurus Illustration.

Inspiring the Next Generation

We always enjoy seeing how our models inspire creativity. This drawing of a Beasts of the Mesozoic Pachycephalosaurus is a fantastic example. Above all, it shows how art can deepen our appreciation of ancient life. On World Art Day, it is important to celebrate artists like Caldey. Their work keeps these incredible animals alive in our imagination.

We would like to thank Caldey for sharing this brilliant illustration. Keep up the excellent work!

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a new illustration of the giant lambeosaurine dinosaur Magnapaulia laticaudus. The company will feature this detailed artwork in its upcoming Magnapaulia fact sheet. At present, team members are preparing the fact sheet as they await the arrival of the new CollectA Deluxe 1:60 scale Magnapaulia model. This impressive new 2026 release measures approximately 20.5 cm in length.

A scale drawing of the lambeosaurine dinosaur Magnapaulia (M. laticaudus). The illustration will be used in the company’s Magnapaulia fact sheet. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Magnapaulia laticaudus

Palaeontologists know Magnapaulia from fossils discovered in the El Gallo Formation of Baja California in north-western Mexico. Initially, scientists thought these remains belonged to a large Lambeosaurus. Later, the elongated neural spines prompted suggestions that the fossils might represent a giant Hypacrosaurus. However, in 2012, researchers formally described the material as a new genus and species of lambeosaurine hadrosaur (Prieto-Márquez et al).

The CollectA Deluxe Magnapaulia model has a bright red crest, and the design team have given their figure a fleshy wattle running down the throat.

To view the extensive range of CollectA Deluxe models in stock: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Elongated Processes Associated with the Tail Bones

Scientists once proposed that the elongated processes of the tail vertebrae indicated a semi-aquatic lifestyle. However, this idea has since fallen out of favour. Instead, researchers now recognise Magnapaulia as one of the largest ornithischian dinosaurs known to science. Estimates vary, but there is a general consensus suggesting it could have exceeded twelve metres in length and weighed around ten tonnes.

Fossil evidence also reveals details about its skin. For example, specimen LACM 17712 preserves part of the tail integument. The skin consisted of large, rounded scales arranged irregularly across the body. In addition, smaller hexagonal or rounded scales surrounded these larger structures.  The Collecta Deluxe Magnapaulia model reflects these details.

The genus name derives from the Latin word “magna”, meaning large or great. Furthermore, it honours Paul G. Haaga Jr., president of the board of trustees at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and an ardent support of the Museum’s fieldwork. Meanwhile, the species name laticaudus means “broad tail” in Latin. Taken together, the name translates as “Haaga’s great, broad-tailed dinosaur”. This name reflects both the dinosaur’s impressive size and its wide, powerful tail.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“The CollectA Deluxe Magnapaulia laticaudus figure will be with us shortly.  Therefore, creating a fact sheet for this hadrosaur model is a priority.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

Thank you Caldey for sending into Everything Dinosaur your fabulous Kronosaurus illustration.  It is a wonderful drawing of the formidable prehistoric predator of the Early Cretaceous.  Only one species is currently recognised (Kronosaurus queenslandicus).  It was formally named and scientifically described over a hundred years ago (1924).  Ironically, although its fossils are from Australia, Kronosaurus was described and named by an Englishman. Albert Heber Longman, originally from Wiltshire in southern England was the director of the Queensland Museum (Brisbane) and he was tasked with studying the fossil material which had been donated to the museum at the turn of the century. It was Longman who correctly identified the fossils as representing the remains of a giant pliosaur.

Although the size of Kronosaurus is controversial, most palaeontologists estimate that it grew to over ten metres in length.  Caldey’s image captures the power and bulk of this apex predator.  The complex colour scheme was inspired by living cetaceans.  The colourful patterns inspired from a mixture of Atlantic white sided dolphin and the Common dolphin.

A fabulous Kronosaurus illustration. The colour scheme for the Kronosaurus was inspired by living cetaceans. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

A Colourful Kronosaurus Illustration

The Kronosaurus is depicted swimming close to the water’s surface.  It is propelled along by its robust flippers.  The enormous, interlocking teeth have been carefully drawn, and we love the yellow stripe (inspired by the colouration of the Common dolphin), running from the corner of the jaw down the side of the body.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Thank you Caldey for sending your amazing Kronosaurus illustration.  Kronosaurus is one of my favourite marine reptiles along with Mosasaurus, which you also kindly illustrated back in 2023.”

To see Caldey’s Mosasaurus (and Archelon) illustration from February 2023: Caldey Draws a Mosasaurus.

Sue and I, always enjoy seeing how dinosaur model fans engage with prehistoric animals. Recently, we were delighted to receive wonderful photographs from a talented young artist. She had taken a dinosaur model and transformed it with her own imaginative repaint. The results are impressive.  We think the new colour scheme is better than the manufacturer’s original version.  Dinosaur model repainting is fun.

Thank you Caldey, for sending your images.  If this is your first dinosaur model repaint, you’ve done a brilliant job!

Our thanks to Caldey and her mum for sending into us some fabulous photographs of Caldey’s dinosaur model repaint. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

Repainting a Dinosaur Model

At first, the original model featured a simple, predominately green colour scheme. However, with care and creativity, the horned dinosaur has been completely reimagined. The new version displays bold contrasts, richer tones, and has striking details.  It has been skilfully painted with a particularly expressive nasal boss and neck frill.  The dinosaur model has more personality.

Caldey’s mum emailed explaining that the figure in question was the Mattel Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom Pachyrhinosaurus.  She confirmed this was Caldey’s first attempt at repainting a dinosaur model. Repainting models is a fantastic way for young people to explore their creativity. Not only does it encourage artistic expression, but it also helps develop patience and fine motor skills. Furthermore, it helps to develop powers of observation.  We spend quite a bit of time debating prehistoric animal colouration with palaeontologists and other experts.  For example, we are currently working on our new Everything Dinosaur Evolution Triceratops figure.  What colours will be chosen for our own horned dinosaur figure?

A Confident Use of Colour

Sue commented that she was impressed by the confident use of colour in this dinosaur model repaint. For example, Sue praised the darker stripe across the body adding:

“This bold stripe adds depth and realism.  It contrasts with other markings and the lighter shades seen on the face and the area just in front of the hips.”

Clearly, a lot of thought and effort went into this piece of dinosaur art.

At Everything Dinosaur, we actively encourage young fans to personalise their models. Whether through painting, diorama building, or storytelling, these activities bring prehistoric worlds to life. Furthermore, they help foster a lifelong interest in science and natural history.

So, if you have a dinosaur model at home, why not try a repaint of your own? With a little imagination, you can create something entirely unique.

We would love to see your creations too. Keep up the fantastic work!

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models.

Thank you Caldey for sending into Everything Dinosaur your wonderful Spinosaurus mirabilis drawing. Inspired by the news of a second species of Spinosaurus having been described, Caldey decided to illustrate the head of this new theropod, complete with its amazing crest.  Caldey has chosen striking colours.  The choice of the orange and metallic blue reminds us of the plumage of a kingfisher bird.  It’s appropriate as both dinosaurs (birds are members of the Dinosauria), ate fish.

The beautiful drawing of the recently described spinosaurid dinosaur – Spinosaurus mirabilis. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

To read Everything Dinosaur’s article about this new spinosaurid: New Scimitar-crested Spinosaurus is Described.

Caldey’s Spinosaurus mirabilis Drawing

The drawing of the head of the new theropod shows some amazing detail.  The snout with the accurately placed nostrils is charcoal black.  In contrast the area around the eye is a vibrant orange hue.  Furthermore, that remarkable crest is shaped in the same way as the scientific illustrations that were sent to us by one of the researchers.  The teeth have been carefully drawn, and the scarlet tones highlight the integument of the throat area.

A Spinosaurus mirabilis has caught a coelacanth. Picture credit: D. Navarro.

Picture credit: D Navarro

The image (above) shows one of the official illustrations of Spinosaurus mirabilis. Caldey’s illustration carefully mirrors the scientific reconstruction of this new theropod.

Spinosaurus Drawings

Over the years, Caldey has sent to Everything Dinosaur lots of prehistoric animal drawings.  Moreover, we have received several Spinosaurus illustrations.  For example, in May 2020 when new research was published on Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, Caldey drew a swimming Spinosaurus.  Her illustrations reflect how the interpretation of Spinosaurus fossil material has changed.

An illustration of a swimming Spinosaurus (May 2020). The species is Spinosaurus aegyptiacus. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

Mike from Everything Dinosaur thanked Caldey for emailing the illustration and commented:

“The artwork reflects the changes in how the Spinosaurus taxon is interpreted.  For example, in 2020 scientific studies suggested that Spinosaurus aegyptiacus was a quadruped and semi-aquatic.  However, the newly described S. mirabilis is thought to have hunted fish in a similar way to a modern heron. Thank you Caldey for your fabulous drawings.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

As Everything Dinosaur prepares for the arrival of the new PNSO dinosaur model (Lanqi the Lanzhousaurus) we have commissioned a new Lanzhousaurus drawing. The illustration of Lanzhousaurus will feature in the company’s free dinosaur fact sheet. This fact sheet will be sent out with the PNSO Lanzhousaurus figure.  The drawing shows this robust Chinese ornithopod in lateral view.  The mouth is open in the drawing, just as it is in the new PNSO dinosaur model.

An illustration of Lanzhousaurus. It will be used in a free fact sheet that will be sent out with the new PNSO Lanzhousaurus dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Scientific Art Models.

A Unique Illustration of Lanzhousaurus

When formally described in 2005, a cladistic analysis suggested that Lanzhousaurus was closely related to Lurdusaurus. Lurdusaurus is known from the Early Cretaceous of Africa. Therefore, the discovery of Lanzhousaurus supports the theory of a close connection between the fauna of Eurasia and Africa during the Early Cretaceous.

This dinosaur had the largest teeth of any plant-eating dinosaur.  Indeed, it had some of the largest teeth of any herbivore known. Some of the teeth were more than ten centimetres long. In contrast, many of its hadrosauriform relatives had mouths packed with dozens of small teeth.  These formed a dental battery.  However, Lanzhousaurus (L. magnidens) evolved a different strategy to cope with the processing of tough vegetation.  It utilised a small number (fourteen) of enormous teeth in the jaw to create a large, continuous surface upon which to grind up plant material.

PNSO Lanqi the Lanzhousaurus (L. magnidens) dinosaur model which is new for 2026. This ornithopod was formally named and described in 2005.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s earlier article about the introduction of the PNSO Lanqi the Lanzhousaurus figure: A New Chinese Ornithopod from PNSO (Lanzhousaurus).

Why the Big Teeth?

Why this ornithopod developed such unique dentition remains unknown.  Several theories have been proposed.  Lanzhousaurus lived approximately 125 million years ago.  As such, it predates the evolution of true hadrosaurid dental batteries.  Perhaps it specialised on feeding upon tough, fibrous vegetation such as conifers.  Alternatively, it could have evolved to occupy a distinct ecological niche within the palaeoenvironment.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We are busy preparing our Lanzhousaurus fact sheet.  It will discuss those remarkable teeth.  The fact sheet will be sent out with the new PNSO Lanqi the Lanzhousaurus dinosaur model, which will be in stock soon.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Thank you Caldey for sending into Everything Dinosaur a colourful illustration of the theropod dinosaur Acrocanthosaurus.  The vivid artwork is inspired by recently published photographs of the Beasts of the Mesozoic Acrocanthosaurus figure.  The young artist has captured the red tones and contrasting blues of the Acrocanthosaurus prototype.  It is wonderful to see Acrocanthosaurus illustrated in this way.

A beautiful and extremely colourful Acrocanthosaurus illustration. Caldey has taken inspiration from the Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated Acrocanthosaurus model’s colour scheme. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

Acrocanthosaurus Illustrated

Acrocanthosaurus (A. atokensis) is a carcharodontosaurid taxon named and described in 1950 (Stovall and Langston). It roamed North America during the Cretaceous. Fossils have been found in Oklahoma, Wyoming, Texas and Maryland. Palaeontologists regard Acrocanthosaurus as one of the largest theropods. Size estimates vary but it could have reached lengths in excess of twelve metres and weighed four tonnes.  Caldey has captured the jaw shape and skull of this apex predator.  In addition, the young artist has carefully illustrated the three digits on each hand.

The genus name translates as “high spined lizard”. A reflection of the tall neural spines associated with the vertebrae.  Caldey has skilfully illustrated this anatomical feature, with a high ridge of bone and flesh running from the back of the head down the body.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Thank you Caldey for sending into us your beautiful Acrocanthosaurus drawing.  It is such an impressive illustration.  Moreover, you have captured the vivid colour scheme of the Beasts of the Mesozoic Acrocanthosaurus prototype.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Everything Dinosaur team members have commissioned a Sauroposeidon scale drawing.  The illustration is going to be used in the company’s Sauroposeidon fact sheet. This fact sheet will be sent out with sales of the new Haolonggood Sauroposeidon figures.  The drawing shows the sauropod rearing up.  This is because the Haolonggood figures are rearing up.

The Sauroposeidon scale drawing. This illustration will be incorporated into the Everything Dinosaur Sauroposeidon fact sheet. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A Sauroposeidon Scale Drawing

The size of this dinosaur is not known.  Based on the holotype cervical vertebrae, it has been estimated that this dinosaur measured more than thirty metres in length.  It could have weighed as much as sixty tonnes.  Size estimates are based on scaling up the Giraffatitan brancai specimen on display at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin. Sauroposeidon (S. proteles) was formally named and described in 2000 AD (Wedel, Cifelli and Sanders).

The three Haolonggood Sauroposeidon models. HLG-185A (left), HLG-185b (centre) and HLG-185c the Heterochromatic version (right).

To view the range of Haolonggood prehistoric animal models in stock: Haolonggood Prehistoric Animal Models.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We commission illustrations for use in the free fact sheets that we send out.  These scale drawings provide a visual guide to the size of the animal.  With Sauroposeidon we have based our size estimate based on scaling up a brachiosaurid.  However, the taxonomy of Sauroposeidon remains controversial.”

The multi-award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.